What happened? On August 7, 2025, Australia changed the rules for English tests! If you want to study in Australia with a Student Visa (Subclass 500), there are some exciting new options and updated scores you need to know about.
Don't worry - we'll explain everything in simple terms! 📚
🎉 Three New English Tests You Can Take!
Great news! Australia now accepts three MORE English tests. This means you have more choices to prove your English skills:
1. CELPIP General 🇨🇦 This is a Canadian test that's now welcome in Australia too! It tests your speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
2. LANGUAGECERT Academic 🌍 This is an international test that focuses on academic English - perfect for university studies.
3. Michigan English Test (MET) 🇺🇸 An American test that checks your grammar, vocabulary, listening, and reading skills.
How long are these tests valid? All test results are good for 3 years from when you took the test. So if you took a test in 2024, you can still use it until 2027!
📊 New Score Requirements (If You Take a Test From August 7, 2025)
Here's what you need to score if you take any test from 07/08/2025 onwards:
| Test Name | Regular Score | With 10+ weeks English course | With 20+ weeks English course |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 Advanced | 161 | Not allowed* | Not allowed* |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| IELTS General Training | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 61 | 54 | 46 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 53 | 49 | 44 |
| OET | 1210 | 1090 | 1020 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 39 | 31 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 | 51 | 37 |
*If you're taking English courses (ELICOS) or foundation programs, you can't use C1 Advanced scores.
💡 What Does This Table Mean?
Column 1 (Regular Score): This is what you need if you're going straight to your main course without extra English classes.
Column 2 (With 10+ weeks English course): If you plan to take at least 10 weeks of English classes (called ELICOS) before your main course, you need a lower score!
Column 3 (With 20+ weeks English course): Take 20 weeks or more of English classes? Even lower scores needed!
Think of it like this: The more English classes you take in Australia, the lower your test score can be. It's like getting extra help! 🎯
🕰️ What If You Already Took a Test Before August 7, 2025?
Lucky you! If you took your English test before, you can still use the OLD rules, which might be easier for some tests:
| Test Name | Regular Score | With 10+ weeks English course | With 20+ weeks English course |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 64 | 46 | 35 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | 169 | 162 | 154 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 42 | 36 |
| OET | B for each part | B for each part | B for each part |
Notice: Some old scores are easier! For example, TOEFL iBT used to need 64, but now needs 67. PTE Academic got easier - it used to need 50, now only needs 47.
🎫 Do You Need an English Test At All?
Maybe not! You DON'T need to take any English test if your passport is from:
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸 United States of America
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- 🇮🇪 Ireland
Important: British National (Overseas) passports don't count for this exemption.
🤔 English Classes (ELICOS) - Your Secret Weapon!
Here's a smart tip: English classes in Australia can help you get in with lower test scores!
How it works:
- Plan to take 10 weeks of English classes? → Lower score needed
- Plan to take 20 weeks of English classes? → Even lower score needed
Example: Want to study business but your IELTS is 5.5? No problem! Enroll in 10 weeks of English classes first, and that 5.5 becomes acceptable!
🎯 Smart Tips for Students
1. More Choices = Better Chances With 9 different tests now available, find the one that suits your strengths best!
2. Plan Your English Journey Lower English score? Consider starting with English classes in Australia - it's actually a great way to settle in!
3. Check Your Test Date Did you test before August 7, 2025? You might want to stick with the old rules if they're better for you.
4. Tests Last 3 Years Don't rush! Your test results are valid for 3 whole years.
5. Get Help Talk to our education experts - they know all the tricks to help you succeed!
📈 What's Really Changed?
The Good News:
- 3 brand new test options
- Some scores got easier (like PTE Academic)
- More flexibility with English pathway programs
The Challenge:
- Some scores got harder (like TOEFL iBT went from 64 to 67)
- More options might feel overwhelming
The Bottom Line: Australia wants international students! These changes give you more ways to prove your English is good enough for university success.
🚀 Ready to Start Your Australian Adventure?
These new rules started on the 7th of August 2025, so they're fresh and ready to use! Australia is showing that they want students from all over the world, and they're making it easier by giving you more test choices and pathway options.
Remember: studying in Australia is not just about passing an English test. It's about joining a multicultural community, getting world-class education, and building an amazing future! 🌟
Next Steps:
- Choose which English test works best for you
- Decide if you want to include English classes in your study plan
- Talk to education agents who can guide you
- Start planning your Australian dream!
Need more info? Check the official Australian government websites or talk to our qualified education professionals. They're there to help make your Australian study dreams come true! 🎓
